The 50+ population has $3.6 trillion in annual income, which accounts for 49% of all after-tax income in the U.S.1 So marketers are making a mistake if they shift their entire focus to the shiny penny of millennials, underestimating the value of respectfully building relationships with customers of all ages and of understanding the precious balance between personalization and privacy.

The Forbes Insights/WealthEngine survey of wealthy consumers over 50 indicates that as the technological landscape changes, high-end consumers are cautious, and brands must be attentive to the best ways to embrace technology to interact with their customers and prospects.

Forbes Insights surveyed 462 American consumers over 50 in summer 2015. Eighty-nine percent of respondents have disposable income of $100,000 or more; 93% have investable assets or $1 million or more. Forbes Insights also interviewed executives and experts to add context to the findings.